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HAMBURG, N.Y. – Students this fall at Hilbert College will be able to take advantage of the newly renovated physical science lab facility on campus. The new state-of-the-art lab, through the generosity of the John R. Oshei Foundation, is scheduled to be dedicated in a ceremony on September 27 at 6:00 p.m. in Bogel Hall, room 155. The opening of the new lab marks the completion of a two-phase, $1.25 million improvement project to upgrade Hilbert’s science facilities.

The dedication of the science lab will begin with a blessing given by Fr. Mark David Skura, OFM Conv. After the dedication ceremonies, hors d’oeuvres and light refreshments will be served. Hilbert board members and others from the college community will be in attendance.

Renovation of the physical, or chemistry, lab began in the summer of 2011, around the time when Hilbert introduced a new general science curriculum. Previously, the science labs utilized virtual technology, but the virtual world did not give the kind of learning outcomes that real, hands-on-training can provide.

“What we believe, and it is a necessary and important part of any liberal arts education,” explains Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Christopher Holoman, “is to have our students be able to take part intelligently in the scientific debates of today as informed citizens, which is part of Hilbert’s mission statement. “

The new curriculum is structured around real world problems, such as global warming. Students use a variety of scientific disciplines and, equally important, develop systematic, critical thinking that the scientific method is based on. Although Hilbert does not have any scientific specific based majors, “an ability to understand the scientific method, speak competently, and think on a scientific level is important,” says Holoman.

Hilbert now has the capacity to offer multiple sections of various science classes each semester. This greatly expands the academic offerings for students, while creating courses that are interactive and engaging. The first phase of renovations to the natural science lab was completed in August of 2010.

Hilbert College, located in suburban Hamburg, N.Y., south of Buffalo, is a private four-year college founded in 1957 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition. With nearly 1,100 students, Hilbert is a dynamic Western New York college that offers career-focused majors, including one of the top criminal justice programs in the region, and more than 50 minors and concentrations. The college’s engaging, student-centered campus community offers numerous leadership, internship, and service learning opportunities from which students launch successful careers while making positive changes in their communities. The Hilbert Blueprint promotes a well-rounded student experience over four years – starting with the Foundations Seminar in the freshman year, followed by Sophomore Service, Junior Symposium, and culminating with the Senior Capstone. Hilbert has expanded its academic offerings with the college’s first graduate programs and new Accelerated Degree Programs geared to adult learners.